Two volunteers with sight loss visited Windsor earlier this month to meet Royalty and explain how volunteering can bring communities together.
Jonathan Abro and Simon Holt, who both volunteer for RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People), were part of the reception team who shone a light on the tireless work of volunteers as they met HM The King and the President of Germany at an event at Windsor Castle.
Reflecting on the event, Jonathan, from London who has retinitis pigmentosa, said: “We were on a stand with Guide Dogs and the Red Cross and were the first to be reached by the King and the President. First of all, I got to meet the President of Germany followed by the King, I could explain about my teaching other blind and partially sighted people how to use iPhones and iPads. It was quite an amazing experience.
“For me, volunteering with RNIB is all about trying to make a positive difference for other blind and partially sighted people.”
Also joining Jonathan at the event, was fellow RNIB volunteer Simon Holt from Oxford, who has been part of a group of individuals sharing his experience of living with sight loss with the charity.
Volunteers Jonathan Abro and Simon Holt with Jo Keller, Head of Volunteering Strategy and Innovation at RNIB, where Jonathan and Simon volunteer at the event held in Windsor.
The event which took place on Thursday, December 4, was held in connection with The Big Help Out, and The Big Lunch. In 2026, these two initiatives will come together to encourage one big weekend of community and action in the UK on 5 – 8 June.
From young people to guide dog trainers, adult literacy to food banks - volunteers from more than a dozen charities were invited to the Castle to talk about their experiences and how volunteering changes lives.
Jo Keller, Head of Volunteering Strategy and Innovation at RNIB, said: “We were so excited to be invited to join this event celebrating the incredible scope of the work that volunteers do for so many charities including RNIB. We are elated that Jonathan and Simon were able to join us and share first-hand the benefits of volunteering they have experienced. RNIB have been involved in the Big Help Out from its inception and what better way to build excitement for next June’s event than with a Royal visit.”
For the Coronation in May 2023, more than 7m people joined in to lend a hand and try volunteering with the inaugural Big Help Out. That same year, 14m people strengthened local connections by taking part in The Big Lunch as part of Coronation events made possible by over 600k informal volunteers. Together they demonstrate how volunteering is open to all as a way of bringing communities together, as well as promoting the physical and mental wellbeing of the volunteers themselves.
Inspired by this demonstration of community spirit, and showing how the impact of volunteering transcends borders, the President of Germany has instigated a similar volunteering initiative, “Der Ehrentag” taking place on 23 May 2026 mirroring the UK’s big weekend taking place on the 5-8 June. The German State Visit to Britain earlier this month was the first in three decades.
His Majesty King Charles III is RNIB’s patron, following on from his mother her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who served as the charity’s patron for 70 years until her death in 2022.
You can find out more about the wide range of volunteering opportunities available at RNIB by visiting www.rnib.org.uk/volunteering or email the team on volunteering@rnib.org.uk.
To find out more about The Big Help Out and The Big Lunch and how you can get involved in activities and events on 5-8 June go to www.edenprojectcommunities.com
